Saint-Jean spectacle returns to Parc Maisonneuve with Harmonium
The Grand spectacle celebrates intergenerational transmission with a 10-artist lineup. Harmonium members will perform one year after bandmate Serge Fiori's death.
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Montréal's flagship Saint-Jean celebration returns Wednesday, June 24 with a full day of programming at Parc Maisonneuve. The Grand spectacle will begin at 7 p.m., preceded by the Je t'aime Québec parade at 2 p.m., which this year centres on "the strength of the collective."
The spectacle features roughly a dozen artists unified around the theme of intergenerational transmission. The evening holds particular weight: June 24 marks one year to the day since Harmonium bandmate Serge Fiori's death. In his honour, the event organizers invited former members of Harmonium — including bassist Louis Valois — to perform alongside their children and family members. Valois is bringing his daughter Julie on stage, describing the moment as an opportunity to pass on a musical legacy. "It's important because music doesn't belong to us. It belongs to the people who listen to it," he said.
Other performers include Diane Dufresne, Pierre Lapointe, Bruno Pelletier, Souldia, Émile Bourgault, and Mathieu McKenzie. The all-female collective Héritières — featuring Marie-Pierre Arthur and roughly 20 women from diverse backgrounds — will also perform. Pier-Luc Funk will present a tribute segment honouring hockey legend Guy Lafleur, who would have turned 75 this year. Clémence DesRochers will appear in a recorded segment.
The afternoon festivities run throughout the park with various activities. The Je t'aime Québec parade starts at 2 p.m. at the corner of Rachel Est and Molson.